Word Origin & History

patriarch late 12c., from O.Fr. patriarche "one of the Old Testament fathers" (11c.), from L.L. patriarcha (Tertullian), from Gk. patriarches "chief or head of a family," from patria "family, clan," from pater "father" + archein "to rule." Also used as an honorific title of certain bishops in the early Church, notably those of Antioch, Alexandria, and Rome.

Example Sentences for more patriarchal

He can see through a window in the wall by his side into the hall, where his more patriarchal forebears loved to take their meals.

It appears to be an unreasonable survival from more patriarchal conditions.